Women's Health

24-Year-Old Who Faced Breast Cancer Stresses That Young Women Are at Risk Too

Young women face unique challenges when it comes to breast cancer

Some of the unique challenges that young women diagnosed with breast cancer face may greatly affect quality of life, as well as length of life. They include:

  • The possibility of early menopause brought on by breast cancer treatment
  • The possibility of sexual dysfunction brought on by breast cancer treatment
  • The possibility of fertility issues brought on by breast cancer treatment
  • The possibility of intimacy issues following breast cancer diagnosis
  • The onset of side effects during or following breast cancer treatment
  • Raising small children while undergoing breast cancer treatment and experiencing possible unwanted side effects
  • A higher prevalence of psychosocial issues, such as anxiety and depression, among young breast cancer survivors
  • Heightened concerns regarding the safety and possibility of pregnancy following breast cancer diagnosis
  • Heightened concerns regarding body image following breast cancer treatment
  • Heightened concerns regarding financial stability due to lack of sufficient health insurance, workplace issues, and cost of cancer care

For this age group, there is no effective breast cancer screening tool and regular mammograms are not recommended until women are at least 40 years old. Similar to Whitaker’s situation, around 80% of young women find their breast abnormality all by themselves.